55 ILCS 5/ Counties Code.

(55 ILCS 5/5-31007) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31007)

Sec. 5-31007. Funds. The board of any museum district, when requested by the treasurer, shall designate a bank, banks or other depository in which the funds received by the treasurer may be placed.

Each designated depository shall furnish the museum district with a copy of all statements of resources and liabilities which it is required to furnish to the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate or to the Comptroller of the Currency. No bank is qualified to receive museum district funds until it has furnished the museum district with copies of the 2 most recent statements.

The treasurer of the museum district shall be discharged from responsibility for all funds while they are in a designated bank or depository, except that the amount of such deposits shall not exceed 75% of the capital stock and surplus of such bank or depository. The treasurer shall not be discharged from responsibility for any funds deposited in excess of such limitation.

When a bank has been designated as a depository it shall continue as such until 10 days after a new depository is designated and is qualified. When a new depository is designated, the museum district shall notify the sureties of the treasurer of that fact in writing at least 5 days before the transfer of funds.

(Source: P.A. 89-508, eff. 7-3-96.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31008) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31008)

Sec. 5-31008. Ordinances. All ordinances of the board imposing any penalty or making any appropriations shall be published at least once a week for 2 weeks in at least one general circulation newspaper published in the museum district. If no newspaper of general circulation is published in the museum district, copies of such ordinances shall be posted in at least 15 conspicuous public places in the museum district. No such ordinance shall take effect until 10 days after it is so published or posted. All other ordinances and resolutions shall take effect from and after their passage unless otherwise provided therein.

All ordinances, orders and resolutions and the date of their publication may be proven in court by the certificate of the secretary under the seal of the museum district and, when printed in book or pamphlet form and purporting to be published by the museum district, such book or pamphlet shall be received as evidence of the passage and legal publication of such ordinances, orders and resolutions as of the dates mentioned in such book or pamphlet.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31009) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31009)

Sec. 5-31009. Judicial effect. The courts of this State shall take judicial notice of the existence of a museum district and its jurisdiction. A museum district shall constitute a body corporate and public and as such may sue and be sued.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31010) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31010)

Sec. 5-31010. Consultation. Every museum district shall seek the guidance of and consult with the Illinois State Museum and related agencies on all matters relating to preservation and restoration policies and plans.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31011) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31011)

Sec. 5-31011. Preservation. Every museum district shall consider the preservation of natural conditions and protection of any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the county as part of its principal purpose and shall assist any cities, towns, villages and institutions to preserve materials.

A museum district may dedicate the preservation of historical buildings, monuments and markers so as not to conflict with national, State or other local similar designations.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31012) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31012)

Sec. 5-31012. Powers of district. To the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of this Division and in addition to any other powers, duties and functions vested in museum districts by law, but subject to limitations and restrictions imposed elsewhere by this Division or other law, a museum district is authorized and empowered:

(a) To adopt bylaws, adopt and use a common seal, enter into contracts, acquire and hold real and personal property and take such other actions as may be necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs.

(b) To make and publish all ordinances, rules and regulations necessary for the management and protection of its property and the conduct of its affairs.

(c) To study and ascertain the museum district artifacts and other materials, the need for preserving such resources and providing such facilities and the extent to which such needs are currently being met, and to prepare and adopt coordinated plans to meet such needs.

(d) To acquire by gift, devise, purchase, lease, agreement or otherwise the fee or any lessor right or interest in real and personal property, and to hold the same with public access for those who wish to examine or study it. The museum district may accept the transfer of any real or personal property owned or controlled by the State of Illinois, the county board, or the governing body of any municipality, district or public corporation and not devoted or dedicated to any other inconsistent public use. In acquiring or accepting land or rights thereto, the museum district shall give due consideration to its historical value or county significance, and no real property shall be acquired or accepted which in the opinion of the museum district and the Illinois State Museum is of low value as to its proposed use.

(e) To acquire any or all interest in real or personal property by a contract for purchase providing for payment in installments over a period not to exceed 10 years with interest on the unpaid balance owing not to exceed an amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of "An Act to authorize public corporations to issue bonds, other evidences of indebtedness and tax anticipation warrants subject to interest rate limitations set forth therein", approved May 26, 1970, as amended. The indebtedness incurred under this subsection when aggregated with existing indebtedness may not exceed the debt limits provided in Section 5-31016.

(f) To classify, designate, plan, develop, preserve, administer and maintain all areas and facilities in which it has an interest and to construct, reconstruct, alter, renew, equip and maintain buildings and other structures. Any work performed on any building, appurtenance, structure or area listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources.

(g) To accept gifts, grants, bequests, contributions and appropriations of money and personal property for museum district purposes.

(h) To employ and fix the compensation of an executive officer who shall be responsible to the board for the implementation of its policies. The executive officer shall have the power, subject to the approval of the board, to employ and fix the compensation of such assistants and employees as the board may consider necessary for the implementation of this Division.

(i) To charge and collect reasonable fees for the use of such facilities, privileges and conveniences as may be provided.

(j) To police its property and to exercise police powers in respect thereto or in respect to the enforcement of any rule or regulation provided by its ordinances.

(k) To lease land for a period not longer than 50 years to a responsible person, firm, or corporation for construction, reconstruction, alteration, development, operation and maintenance of buildings, roads, and parking areas. Any work performed on any leased building, structure, appurtenances or area which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources. Upon expiration of any lease of land under this subsection, title to all structures on the leased land shall be vested in the museum district.

(l) To lease any building or facility constructed, reconstructed, altered, renewed, equipped, furnished, extended, developed, and maintained by the museum district to a responsible person, firm or corporation for operation or development or both, and maintenance for a period not longer than 20 years. Development, maintenance or both of any building, structures, appurtenances or area which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources.

(m) To make grants to not-for-profit historical clubs, organizations or groups within the county.

(Source: P.A. 100-695, eff. 8-3-18.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31013) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31013)

Sec. 5-31013. Transfer of property. No personal or real property may be disposed of, sold, conveyed or otherwise transferred except upon approval of 3/5 of the district trustees.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31014) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31014)

Sec. 5-31014. Finance. The fiscal year of each museum district shall commence July 1 and extend through the following June 30.

The board of each museum district shall, on or before the second Tuesday in September of each year, adopt a combined annual budget and appropriation ordinance as provided in The Illinois Municipal Budget Law.

Except as otherwise provided in this Division, a museum district may annually levy taxes at the following rates and for the following purposes upon the value of the taxable property within the museum district as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue:

(a) .01% for the general purposes of the museum district, including acquisition and development of real property which may be in excess of current requirements and allowed to accumulate from year to year, to not more than .05% of the equalized assessed value of property within the museum district.

(b) .01% for acquisition of historic properties both real and personal which may be in excess of current requirements and allowed to accumulate from year to year, to not more than .10% of the equalized assessed value of the property within the museum district. However, this levy may be used also for the development of real property and for the general purposes of the museum district.

Unless otherwise provided by law, a museum district may not levy annual taxes for all its purposes in the aggregate in excess of .02% of the value, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue, of the taxable property therein.

After the adoption of the appropriation ordinance and on or before the second Tuesday in September of each year, the board shall ascertain the total amount of the appropriations which are to be provided from tax levies for the current year. Then, by an ordinance specifying in detail the purposes for which such appropriations have been made and the amounts appropriated for such purposes, the board shall levy upon the taxable property within the museum district a tax the proceeds of which shall not exceed the amount so ascertained. A certified copy of such ordinance shall be filed on or before the first Tuesday in October with the clerk of each county within the museum district.

However, if the museum district has levied such tax at a rate lower than the maximum rate set forth in this Section, the board of trustees may increase the rate of the tax, but not exceeding such maximum rate, by following the procedures set forth above in this Section and then by certifying the proposition of such increase to the proper election officials for submission to the voters of the museum district at a regular election in accordance with the general election law. The proposition shall be in substantially the following form:

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shall the maximum rate

of the tax levied by the County YES

Historical Museum District

for the purposes provided by the -----------------------

County Historical Museum District

Law be increased from ....... NO

to .......(not to exceed .02%)?

--------------------------------------------------------------

If a majority of all the votes cast upon the proposition are in favor thereof, the board of trustees may levy the tax at a rate not to exceed the rate set forth in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31015) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31015)

Sec. 5-31015. Donations. Gifts, contributions and bequests of money and all licenses, fees, charges and other revenue received or collected by the museum district shall be deposited in the treasury of the museum district to be used for the purchase of land, property and equipment and the payment of expenses incurred in carrying out the activities of the museum district, except that moneys given upon specified trust shall be held and applied in accordance with such trust.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31016) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31016)

Sec. 5-31016. Indebtedness. Whenever a museum district does not have sufficient money in its treasury to meet all necessary expenses and liabilities, it may issue tax anticipation warrants. Such issue of tax anticipation warrants shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2 of "An Act to provide for the manner of issuing warrants upon any county, township, or other municipal corporation or quasi municipal corporation, or of any farm drainage district, river district, drainage and levee district, fire protection district and jurors' certificates", approved June 27, 1913, as now or hereafter amended.

No museum district shall become indebted in any manner or for any purpose in an amount, including existing indebtedness, in the aggregate exceeding .25% of the value, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue, of the taxable property within the museum district.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31017) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31017)

Sec. 5-31017. Historical buildings. Nothing in this Division shall prohibit the museum district from appropriating funds as otherwise provided in this Division for the construction, equipment, extension, improvement, operation or maintenance of any historical building, monument or marker. Provided, however, that any work performed on any historical building, monument or marker listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be conducted within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources.

(Source: P.A. 100-695, eff. 8-3-18.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31018) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31018)

Sec. 5-31018. Assistance. A museum district may apply for and receive the grant or loan of money or other financial aid necessary for the undertaking, performance or execution of any of its purposes from any department or agency of the State or federal government. A museum district may undertake any of its activities aided by, in cooperation with, or as a joint enterprise with any department or agency of the State or federal government or any other museum district, forest preserve district, conservation district, park district, school district, planning commission, county board, municipality or other governmental unit.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31019) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31019)

Sec. 5-31019. Existing county museum tax levy. Nothing in this Division shall be construed to prohibit or modify existing tax levies for county museums as authorized by Division 6-23.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31020) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31020)

Sec. 5-31020. Dissolution. At least 5% of the voters of a museum district which has been in existence for at least 3 years may file with the circuit clerk of the county comprising the museum district or the county within the museum district having the largest population a petition addressed to the circuit court of the county requesting dissolution of the museum district.

A hearing shall be held thereon as nearly as possible as in the case of a formation petition. If upon the hearing, the court finds that the petition is sufficient it shall certify the proposition to the proper election officials, who shall submit the question to the voters at an election in accordance with the general election law. The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shall the ...... YES

Historical Museum District --------------------------------

be dissolved? NO

--------------------------------------------------------------

If a majority of the votes cast on the proposition are in favor of dissolution, the court shall by order declare the museum district dissolved.

If the vote is not in favor of the dissolution of the museum district, the proposition to dissolve the museum district shall not again be submitted to a vote for a period of 3 years. If the vote is in favor of dissolution of the museum district, the board shall close the affairs of the museum district and all property, excluding real property, shall be conveyed within 12 months to the Illinois State Museum or to such State or county agency, State university, community college, private college or other such semi-public, tax exempt, organization as the district trustees shall designate upon the approval of the director of the Illinois State Museum. Any remaining property may then be conveyed to the county board. The Attorney General of the State of Illinois shall be responsible for the enforcement of this Division and shall see that no liquidation of any property acquired by any district established by this Division shall violate these provisions.

All money remaining after the business affairs of the museum district have been closed, and its debts and obligations have been paid, shall be paid to the county comprising the museum district. If the museum district is located in more than one county, then all such remaining money shall be paid to each county on a pro rata basis of the assessed value of property of the museum district located in each county. All conveyances of real property shall be subject to the approval of the Illinois State Museum.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31021) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31021)

Sec. 5-31021. Construction. This Division shall be construed as supplemental and in addition to existing statutory authority and as providing an independent method of financing the cost of acquiring lands or rights thereof and holding the same for historical purposes.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-31022)

Sec. 5-31022. Cessation of district organization. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a majority vote of the board is in favor of the proposition to annex the district to another district whose boundaries are contiguous, or consolidate the district into a municipality with which the district is coterminous or substantially coterminous, or consolidate the district into the county in which the district sits if the district contains territory within only one county, and if the governing authorities of the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former district agree by resolution to accept the functions (and jurisdiction over the territory, if applicable) of the consolidated or annexed district, then the district shall cease. On the effective date of the annexation or consolidation, all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, indebtedness, obligations, bonding authority, taxing authority, and responsibilities of the district shall vest in and be assumed by the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former district.

The employees of the former district shall be transferred to the governmental unit assuming the functions of the former district. The governmental unit assuming the functions of the former district shall exercise the rights and responsibilities of the former district with respect to those employees. The status and rights of the employees of the former district under any applicable contracts or collective bargaining agreements, historical representation rights under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, or under any pension, retirement, or annuity plan shall not be affected by this amendatory Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-1002, eff. 8-18-14.)

(55 ILCS 5/Div. 5-32 heading) Division 5-32. Local Improvements

(55 ILCS 5/5-32001) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32001)

Sec. 5-32001. Right to make local improvements. Any county may make a local improvement outside of a municipality, as defined in Section 1-1-2 of the "Illinois Municipal Code", whenever the public necessity requires such improvement, subject only to the limitations prescribed in this Division. This Division shall not be construed as repealing any other laws with respect to county government, but shall be considered as an additional grant of power for the purposes herein set out. Any number of streets, avenues, lanes or alleys, sidewalks, or any other public places, or parts thereof, or private roads or streets, in platted subdivisions of the county to be improved may be included in one proceeding, as provided in this Division, even though they may be intersected by previously improved streets, avenues, roads or alleys which are not included in the proceeding, where they are contiguous or part of a connected system with reciprocal benefits. This Division shall not be construed to limit the powers of municipalities contained in Article 11 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32002) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32002)

Sec. 5-32002. Definitions. In this Division the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Local improvements" means the constructing, installing, improving or extending of storm sewers, sanitary sewers or water mains; the improving, widening, extending or repairing of any street, highway, road, boulevard, alley, sidewalk or other public way; the constructing, installing or repairing of curbs, gutters, street lights and all necessary appurtenances thereto; or any combination thereof, within or abutting on any platted subdivision either prior to or after any structures are placed within such platted subdivision.

"Platted subdivision" is any described tract of land which has been divided into 2 or more lots or parcels which involved the creation of a new street and which has been recorded.

"County" means any county in this State which is not a home rule unit.

"Attorney" means the attorney employed by the county committee of local improvements to furnish the necessary legal services in connection with any local improvement to be constructed under this Division.

"Engineer" means the engineer employed by the county committee of local improvements to prepare the necessary plans, estimates and specifications, and supervise construction of any local improvement to be constructed under this Division.

"Committee" means the Committee of Local Improvements created by this Division.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32003) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32003)

Sec. 5-32003. Committee of local improvements. There is created the Committee of Local Improvements consisting of the presiding officer of the County Board, or some person designated by him as his representative for the purposes of this Committee, the county engineer or superintendent of highways or administrative head of the county department of public works as determined by such presiding officer, and 3 members of the County Board appointed by the presiding officer of the county board with the advice and consent of the county board. The Committee shall elect from its members a president, except that the Chairman or President of the County Board, or his representative, as the case may be is prohibited from serving in that capacity. The county board shall provide by resolution for compensation not to exceed $15 per day for each member while performing his duties as a member of the Committee. The Committee may employ a secretary who shall keep the minutes of the Committee's proceedings and be the custodian of all papers pertaining to the business of the Committee and shall perform all other duties the Committee prescribes.

(Source: P.A. 86-962; 87-217.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32004) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32004)

Sec. 5-32004. Origination of local improvements. The Committee may originate a local improvement as defined in this Division anywhere in the county outside of a municipality, as defined in Section 1-1-2 of the "Illinois Municipal Code", as amended, such improvement to be paid for by special assessment, either with or without a petition, by the adoption of a resolution describing the local improvement abutting or within the platted subdivision to be so improved. This resolution shall be at once transcribed into the records of the Committee and shall be presented to the members of the county board at any regularly scheduled meeting accompanied by a recommendation from the Committee for the adoption of a resolution by the county board describing the public way to be so improved.

A resolution adopted without a petition shall be revoked by the county board without further action on the improvement sought if the owners of record of more than one-half of the property abutting on or within any platted subdivision located outside the boundaries of a municipality object, by petition, by individual objections in writing, or by a combination of petitions and individual objections. Objections and petitions against an improvement shall be filed within 30 days of notification to the owners of record of the assessment.

Proceedings to make a local improvement also may be instituted whenever the owners of record of one-half the property abutting on or within any platted subdivision located outside the boundaries of a municipality, petitions the Committee of the county for a local improvement thereon. The Committee shall present such petition to the members of the county board at a regularly scheduled meeting, and recommend the adoption of a resolution by the board describing the public way to be so improved. If the resolution is so adopted by the county board, the Committee of local improvements shall proceed with all of the necessary steps for the improvement.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32005) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32005)

Sec. 5-32005. Applicability of Division. The provisions of this Division may be made applicable to improvement of a private street or road upon petition signed by 3/5 of the owners of record of properties abutting or served by such private street or roadway. The petition shall be filed with the Committee and is subject to the provisions of Section 5-32004 and subsequent provisions of the Division. Upon completion of the improvement, the improvement is to be incorporated into the township or district road system as provided in Section 6-325 of the Illinois Highway Code.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32006) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32006)

Sec. 5-32006. Public hearing on resolution. After the adoption of the resolution for a local improvement as provided for in this Division, the Committee by a resolution shall fix a day and hour for a public hearing thereon. The hearing shall be not less than 10 days after the adoption of the resolution. The Committee shall also have an estimate of the cost of the improvement made in writing and signed by the president. This estimate shall be itemized to the satisfaction of the Committee and shall be made a part of the records of the resolution.

Notice of the time, place and hour of the proposed hearing shall be sent by mail directed to all persons who paid the general taxes for the last preceding year on each lot, block, tract or parcel of land fronting on the proposed improvement and to all municipalities the boundaries of which lie within one and one-half miles from the location of the proposed local improvement not less than 5 days prior to the time set for the public hearing.

These notices shall contain

1. The substance of the resolution adopted by the Committee;

2. The estimate of the cost of the proposed improvement;

3. A notification that the nature, extent, kind, character and the estimated cost of the proposed improvement may be changed by the Committee at the public hearing thereon.

If, upon the hearing the Committee considers the proposed improvement desirable it shall adopt a resolution and prepare and submit an ordinance therefor.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32007) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32007)

Sec. 5-32007. Conduct of public hearing. At the time and place fixed in the specified notice for the public hearing, the Committee shall meet and hear the representations of any person desiring to be heard on the subject of the necessity for the proposed improvement, the nature thereof, or the cost as estimated. In case any person appears to object to the proposed improvement or any of the elements thereof at the public hearing the Committee shall adopt a new resolution abandoning the proposed improvement or adhering thereto or changing, altering or modifying the extent, nature, kind, character and estimated cost provided the change does not increase the estimated cost of the improvement to exceed 20% of such cost without a further public hearing thereon as it considers most desirable.

Thereupon, if the proposed improvement is not abandoned, the Committee shall have an ordinance prepared to be submitted to the county board at a regularly scheduled meeting. This ordinance shall prescribe the nature, character, locality and description of the improvement and shall provide that the improvement shall be made wholly by special assessment of contiguous abutting property.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32008) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32008)

Sec. 5-32008. Recommendation of improvement. Accompanying any ordinance for a local improvement presented by the Committee shall be a recommendation of such improvement by the Committee signed by at least a majority of the members thereof. The recommendation by the Committee shall be prima facie evidence that all of the requirements of the law have been complied with. If a variance is shown in the proceedings in the Court it shall not affect the validity of the proceedings unless the court considers the variance willful or substantial.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32009) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32009)

Sec. 5-32009. Estimate of cost of improvement. An estimate of the cost of the improvement including the cost of engineering services as originally contemplated or as changed, altered, or modified at the public hearing itemized so far as the Committee thinks necessary shall be presented along with the ordinance and the recommendation. This estimate of cost shall be presented over the signature of the President of the Committee, who shall certify that, in his opinion, the estimate of cost does not exceed the probable cost of the improvement proposed and lawful expenses attending the improvement. The recommendation by the Committee shall be prima facie evidence that it is based upon full compliance with the requirements of the Division.

No ordinance for any local improvement to be paid for by special assessment shall be considered or passed as provided for herein unless the ordinance is first recommended by the Committee.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32010) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32010)

Sec. 5-32010. Petition for levy of special assessment. Upon the passage of any ordinance for a local improvement pursuant thereto, a petition shall be filed in the circuit court in the county where the affected territory lies praying that steps be taken to levy a special assessment for the improvement in accordance with the provisions of that ordinance. There shall be attached to or filed with this petition a certified copy of the ordinance and a copy of the recommendation of the Committee and the estimate of cost as approved. The failure to file any or either of these copies shall not affect the jurisdiction of the court to proceed in the cause and to act upon the petition, but if it appears in any such cause that the copies have not been attached to or filed with the petition, before the filing of the assessment roll therein, then upon motion of any objector for that purpose on or before appearance day in the cause the entire petition and the proceedings shall be dismissed.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32011) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32011)

Sec. 5-32011. Manner of assessment. Upon the filing of such a petition the President of the Committee shall appoint some competent person who is a resident and elector of the county to make a true and impartial assessment of, the cost of the specified improvement upon the property benefited by the improvement.

The levying officer shall apportion and assess the amount found to be of benefit to the property contiguous or abutting upon the improvement upon the several lots, blocks, tracts and parcels of land in the proportion in which they will severally be benefited by the improvement. No lot, block, tract or parcel of land shall be assessed a greater amount than it will actually be benefited. In levying any special assessment each lot, block, tract or parcel of land shall be assessed separately in the same manner as upon the assessment for general taxation.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32012) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32012)

Sec. 5-32012. Assessment roll. The assessment and the amount as found by the levying officer shall be known as the assessment roll. It shall contain,

1. A list of all of the lots, blocks, tracts and parcels of land assessed for the proposed improvement;

2. The amount assessed against each;

3. The name of the person who paid the taxes on each such parcel during the last preceding calendar year, in which taxes were paid as ascertained upon investigation by the levying officer making the return or under his direction;

4. The residence of the person so paying the taxes on each such parcel if the residence on diligent inquiry can be found;

5. The amount of each installment shall also be stated.

The levying officer making the roll shall certify under oath that he believes that the amount assessed against each parcel of property is just and equitable and does not exceed the benefit which in each case will be derived from the improvement, and that no lot, block, tract or parcel of land has been assessed more than its proportionate share of the cost of the improvement. Each lot or part of land owned and improved as one parcel may be assessed as one parcel.

Notice shall be given by the levying officer of the nature of the improvement, of the pendency of the proceedings, of the time and place of the filing of the petition therefor, of the time and place of the filing of the assessment roll and of the time and place at which application will be made for the confirmation of assessment, the same to be not less than 15 days after the mailing of such notices. Notices shall be sent by mail postage prepaid to each of the specified persons paying taxes on the respective parcels during the last preceding year during which taxes were paid at his residence as shown on the Assessment Roll. The notice shall include the legal description of the property assessed, the amount assessed to the person to whom it is directed for the improvement proposed and the total amount of the improvement. An affidavit shall be filed before the final hearing showing a compliance by the levying officer with the requirements of this Division, and also showing that the levying officer or some one acting under his direction made a careful examination of the collector's books, showing the payment of general taxes during the last preceding year in which the taxes were paid thereon, to ascertain the person who last paid the taxes on the respective parcel and a diligent search for his residence and that the report clearly states the person and residence as ascertained by the affiant. This report and affidavit shall be sufficient evidence for the purpose of this proceeding of the correctness of the assessment roll in these particulars. In case the affidavit is found in any respect willfully false, the person making it is guilty of perjury.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32013) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32013)

Sec. 5-32013. Installments; interest. The ordinance provided for in this Division shall provide that the aggregate amounts assessed in each individual assessment shall be divided into installments not more than 10 in number. Such division shall be made so that all installments shall be equal in amount except that all fractional amounts shall be added to the first installment so as to leave the remaining of the aggregate equal in amount and each a multiple of $100. The first installment shall be due and payable on January 2 next, after the date of the first voucher issued on account of construction work done, and the second installment one year thereafter and so on annually until all installments are paid. The Committee shall file in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in which such assessment was confirmed a certificate signed by its secretary of the date of the first voucher and the amount thereof within 30 days after the issuance thereof. All installments shall bear interest as hereinafter provided until paid at the rate of not to exceed 7% annually. Interest on assessments shall begin to run from the date of the first voucher issued on account of construction work done. The interest on each installment shall be paid as follows: On January 2, next succeeding the date of the first voucher as certified the interest accruing up to that time on all unpaid installments shall be due and payable with the installment, and thereafter the interest on all unpaid installments then payable shall be payable annually and be collected therewith. In all cases the County Collector, whenever payment is made on any installment, shall collect interest thereon up to the date of such payment whether the payment be made at or after maturity. Any person may at any time pay the whole assessment against any lot, piece or parcel of land or any installment thereof with interest as herein provided up to the date of the payment.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32014) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32014)

Sec. 5-32014. Special assessment notice. The Committee in addition to the notice in this Division provided for shall publish a notice at least twice not more than 30 days nor less than 15 days in advance of the time at which the confirmation of the specified assessment is to be sought, in one or more newspapers published in the county or if no newspaper is published therein then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation in the county. The notice shall be over the name of the levying officer and shall be substantially as follows: "SPECIAL ASSESSMENT NOTICE Notice is hereby given to all persons interested that the County of .... has order that (herein insert a brief description of the nature of the improvement), the ordinance for the improvement being on file in the office of the County Clerk, having applied to the Circuit Court of .... County, for an assessment of the costs of the improvement according to benefits an assessment therefor having been made and returned to that Court, a final hearing thereon will be had on (insert date), or as soon thereafter as the business of the Court will permit.

All persons desiring may file objections in that Court before that day and may appear on the hearing and make their defense. (Here give date) NAME .... (LEVYING OFFICER)." The number of installments and the rate of interest also shall be stated.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32015) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32015)

Sec. 5-32015. Extension of time for filing objections. If 15 days have not elapsed between the first publication and the day fixed in the notice for filing objections, the cause shall be continued for 15 days, and time for filing objections shall be correspondingly extended.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32016) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32016)

Sec. 5-32016. Filing objections to report; default. Any person interested in any real estate to be affected by an assessment, may appear and file objections to the report by the time mentioned in the specified notice, or in case of incomplete notice than as specified in Section 5-32015, or within such further time as the court may allow. The court may make an order in regard to the time of filing these objections but no prior rule need be taken therefor unless directed by the court.

As to all lots, blocks, tracts and parcels of land, to the assessment of which objections are not filed within the specified time, or such other time as may be ordered by the court, default may be entered and the assessment may be confirmed by the court, notwithstanding the fact that objections may be pending and undisposed of as to other property.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32017) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32017)

Sec. 5-32017. Inquiries; powers of court. Upon objections or motions for that purpose, the court in which the specified proceeding is pending may inquire in a summary way whether the officer making roll has omitted any property benefited, and whether or not the assessment as made and returned is an equitable and just distribution of the cost of the improvement among the parcels of property assessed. The court has the power upon such application being made, to revise and correct the assessment levied or to change the manner of distribution among the parcels of private property, so as to produce a just and equitable assessment. The court may either make such corrections or change or determine in general the manner in which the corrections or changes shall be made and refer the assessment roll back to the levying officer for revisions, corrections or alterations in such manner as the court may determine.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32018) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32018)

Sec. 5-32018. Hearing. On the application of the petitioner, at any time after the return day, the court may set down all objections, except the objection that the property of the objector will not be benefited to the amount assessed against it, and that it is assessed more than its proportionate share of the cost of the improvement, for a hearing at a time to be fixed by the court. Upon this hearing the court shall determine all questions relating to the sufficiency of the proceedings and of the benefits between the different parcels of property assessed, together with all other questions arising in that proceeding, with the exception specified, and shall thereupon enter an order in accordance with the conclusions it reaches. But this order shall not be a final disposition of any of these questions for the purpose of appeal, unless the objectors waive further controversy as to the remaining question upon the record.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32019) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32019)

Sec. 5-32019. Proceedings. If it is objected to on the part of any property assessed for such an improvement, that it will not be benefited thereby to the amount assessed thereon, and that it is assessed more than its proportionate share of the cost of the improvement, and a jury is not waived by agreement of the parties, the court shall impanel a jury to try that issue. In that case unless otherwise ordered by the court, all such objections shall be tried and disposed of before a single jury. The assessment roll, as returned by the officer who made it, or as revised and corrected by the court on the hearing of the legal objections, shall be prima facie evidence of the correctness of the amount assessed against each objected owner but shall not be counted as the testimony of any witness or witnesses in the cause. That assessment roll may be submitted to the jury and may be taken into the jury room by the jury when it retires to deliberate on its verdict. Either party may introduce such other evidence as may bear upon that issue or issues. The hearing shall be conducted as in other civil cases. If it appears that the property of any objector is assessed more than it will be benefited by the specified improvement, or more than its proportionate share of the cost of the improvement, the jury shall so find, and it shall also find the amount for which that property ought to be assessed, and judgment shall be rendered accordingly.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32020) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32020)

Sec. 5-32020. Distribution of deficiency. Whenever, on a hearing by the court or before a jury, the amount of any assessment is reduced or cancelled, so that there is a deficiency in the total amount remaining assessed in the proceeding, the court may, in the same proceeding, distribute this deficiency upon the other property in the district assessed, in such manner as the court finds just and equitable, not exceeding, however, the amount such property will be benefited by the specified improvement.

In case any portion of this deficiency is charged against such property not represented in court, a new notice, of the same nature as the original notice, shall be given in like manner as the original notice, to show the cause why the assessment, as thus increased, should not be confirmed. The owners of or parties interested in such property have the right to object in the same form and with the same effect as in case of the original assessment, and the court has the same power to dispose thereof.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32021) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32021)

Sec. 5-32021. Time for hearing. The hearing in all the cases arising under this Division, may be had at such time as the court may designate, and such proceedings shall have precedence over all other cases in any court, where they are brought, except criminal cases, or other cases in which the public is a moving party.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32022) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32022)

Sec. 5-32022. Additional powers of court. The court before which any such proceedings may be pending may modify, alter, change, annul, or confirm any assessment returned as specified, in addition to the authority already conferred upon it, and may take all such proceedings, and make all such orders, as may be necessary to the improvement, according to the principles of this Division, and may from time to time, as may be necessary, continue the application for that purpose as to the whole or any part of the premises.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32023) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32023)

Sec. 5-32023. Effect of similar improvements previously made in same locality. It is no objection to the legality of any local improvement that a similar improvement has been previously made in the same locality, if the ordinance therefor is recommended by the Committee as above provided, but nothing contained in this Division shall interfere with any defense in this proceeding relating to the benefits received therefrom.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32024) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32024)

Sec. 5-32024. Confirmation of assessment roll. In case of a special assessment to be paid by installments under the provisions of this Division, the order of confirmation that is entered upon the return of the assessment roll shall apply to all of the installments thereof, and may be entered in one order.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32025) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32025)

Sec. 5-32025. Review; effect of judgments. The judgments of the court shall be final as to all the issues involved, and the proceedings in the specified cause shall be subject to review by appeal as provided in this Division and not otherwise. However, by mutual consent such a judgment may be vacated or modified notwithstanding the expiration of 30 days from the rendition of the judgment, except as provided in this Division.

Such judgment shall have the effect of several judgments as to each tract or parcel of land assessed, and no appeal from any such judgment shall invalidate or delay the judgments, except as to the property concerning which the appeal is taken.

Such judgment shall be a lien on behalf of the county making any improvement, for the payment of which the special assessment is levied, on the property assessed from the date thereof, to the same extent and of equal force and validity as a lien for the general taxes until the judgment is paid or the property against which any such judgment is entered is sold to pay the judgment.

Nothing in this Division shall interfere with the right of the petitioner to dismiss its proceedings, and for that purpose to vacate such a judgment at its election at any time before commencing the actual collection of the assessment. The court in which the judgment is rendered shall enter an order vacating or annulling the judgment of confirmation on motion of the petitioner entered at any time after the expiration of 30 days from the rendition of that judgment of confirmation upon a showing by petitioner that no contract was let or entered into for the making of the specified improvement within the time fixed by law for the letting of the contract, or that the making of the improvement under the original proceeding was never commenced, or that the making of the improvement under the prior proceeding was never commenced, or that the making of the improvement under the prior proceedings was abandoned by petitioner. No judgment entered in such a proceeding so dismissed and vacated shall be a bar to another like or different improvement. However, after the contract for the work has been entered into, or the improvement bonds have been issued, no judgment shall be vacated or modified or any petitioner dismissed after the expiration of 30 days from the rendition of the judgment, nor shall the collection of the assessment be in any way stayed or delayed by the Committee, or any officer of the county without the consent of the contractor or bondholder.

The county may file a complaint to foreclose the lien of special assessment in the same manner that foreclosures are permitted by law in cases of delinquent general taxes. However, no forfeiture of the property shall be required as a prerequisite for such foreclosure.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32026) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32026)

Sec. 5-32026. Supplemental assessment. At any time after the bids have been received pursuant to the provisions of this Division, if it appears to the satisfaction of the Committee that the first assessment is insufficient to pay the contract price or the bonds or vouchers issued or to be issued in payment of the contract price, together with the amount required to pay the accruing interest thereon, the Committee shall make and file an estimate of the amount of the deficiency. Thereupon a second or supplemental assessment for the estimated deficiency of the cost of the work and interest may be made in the same manner as nearly as may be as in the first assessment, and so on until sufficient money has been realized to pay for the improvement and the interest. It shall be no objection to the supplemental assessment that the prior assessment has been levied, adjudicated and collected unless it appears that in that prior cause upon proper issue made, it was specially found in terms, that the property objected for would be benefited by the improvement no more than the amount assessed against it in that prior proceeding. If too large a sum is raised at any time, the excess shall be refunded ratably to those against whom the assessment was made.

But if the estimated deficiency exceeds 10% of the original estimate, no contract shall be awarded until a public hearing has been held on the supplemental proceeding in like manner as in the original proceedings. No more than one supplemental assessment shall be levied to meet any deficiency where the deficiency is caused by the original estimate being insufficient.

However, the petitioner, in case it so elects, may dismiss the petition and vacate the judgment of confirmation at any time after the judgment of confirmation is rendered, and begin new proceedings for the same or a different improvement.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32027) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32027)

Sec. 5-32027. New assessment. If from any cause any county fails to collect the whole or any portion of any special assessment which may be levied, which is not cancelled or set aside by order of any court, for any public improvement authorized to be made and paid for by a special assessment, the Committee, at any time within 5 years after the confirmation of the original assessment, may direct a new assessment to be made upon the delinquent property for the amount of the deficiency and interest thereon from the date of the original assessment, which assessment shall be made, as nearly as may be, in the same manner as is prescribed in this Division for the first assessment. In all cases where partial payments have been made on such former assessments, they shall be credited or allowed on the new assessment to the property for which they were made, so that the assessment shall be equal and impartial in its results. If this new assessment proves insufficient, either in whole or in part, the Committee at any time within the specified period of 5 years, may order a third to be levied, and so on in the same manner and for the same purpose. It shall constitute no legal objections to any new assessments that the property may have changed hands, or been encumbered subsequent to the date of the original assessment.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32028) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32028)

Sec. 5-32028. Certification of assessment roll; collection of assessments. Within 30 days after the filing of the report of the amount and date of the first voucher issued on account of construction work done, the clerk of the court in which such judgment is rendered shall certify the assessment roll and judgment to the township collector or county collector authorized to collect the special assessment, or if there has been an appeal taken on any part of the judgment, he shall certify such part of the judgment as is not included in that appeal. This certification shall be filed by the officer receiving it in his office. With the assessment roll and judgment the clerk of the designated court shall also issue a warrant for the collection of the assessment. The court has the power to recall such warrants as to all or any of the property affected at any time before payment or sale, in case the proceedings are abandoned by the petitioner or the judgment is vacated or modified in a material respect as hereinbefore provided, but not otherwise. In case the assessment roll has been abated and the judgment reduced, the clerk of the designated court, within 30 days thereafter, shall certify the order of reduction or the roll as so reduced or recast under the direction of the court to the county collector authorized to collect the special assessment, and shall issue a warrant for the collection of the assessment as so reduced or recast.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32029) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32029)

Sec. 5-32029. Effect of appeal on part of judgment; warrant. If an appeal is taken on any part of such judgment and if the Committee elects to proceed with the improvement, notwithstanding such an appeal, the clerk shall certify the appealed portion, from time to time, in the manner above-mentioned, as the judgment is rendered thereon, and the warrant accompanying this certificate in each case shall be authority for the collection of so much of the assessment as is included in the portion of the roll thereto attached.

The warrant in all cases of assessment under this Division, shall contain a copy of the certificate of the judgment, describing lots, blocks, tracts and parcels of land assessed so far as they are contained in the portion of the roll so certified and shall state the respective amounts assessed on each lot, block, tract or parcel of land, and shall be delivered to the officer authorized to collect the special assessment. The collector having a warrant for any assessment levied to be paid by installments, may receive any or all of the installments of that assessment, but if he receives only a part of the installment, then he shall receive them in their numerical order.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32030) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32030)

Sec. 5-32030. Notice by collector. The collector, or some person designated by him and under his direction, receiving such a warrant shall give notice thereof within 10 days by publishing a notice once each week for 2 successive weeks in one or more newspapers published in the county or if no newspaper is published therein then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation in the county. This notice shall be in the form substantially as follows: SPECIAL ASSESSMENT NOTICE Special Warrant No. NOTICE: Publication is hereby given that the (here insert title of court) has rendered judgment for a special assessment upon property benefited by the following improvement: (here describe the character, and location of the improvement in general terms) as will more fully appear from the certified copy of the judgment on file in my office; that the warrant for the collection of this assessment is in my possession. All persons interested are hereby notified to call and pay the amount assessed at the collector's office (here insert location of office) within 30 days from the date hereof.

Dated (insert date).

When such an assessment is levied to be paid in installments, the notice shall contain also the amount of each installment, the rate of interest deferred installments bear and the date when payable.

The collector or some person designated by him and under his direction, into whose possession the warrant comes shall by written or printed notice, mailed to all persons whose names appear on the assessment roll inform them of the special assessment and request payment thereof.

Any collector omitting to do so is liable to a penalty of $10 for any such omission, but the validity of the special assessment or the right to apply for and obtain judgment thereon is not affected by such an omission. It is the duty of such collector to write the word "Paid" opposite each tract or lot on which the assessment is paid, together with the name and post office address of the person making the payment and the date of the payment.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32031) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32031)

Sec. 5-32031. Payment of moneys collected. The county collector where that officer is authorized to collect the warrants by general law shall pay over to the county treasury all moneys collected by him by virtue of such warrants or upon any sale for taxes or otherwise at such time or times and in such manner as is fixed by law.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32032) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32032)

Sec. 5-32032. Report of delinquent special assessments. The collector shall, on or before the 15th day of August in each year, make a report in writing to the general office of the county in which the respective lots, tracts and parcels of land are situated, authorized by the general revenue laws of this State to apply for judgment and sell lands for taxes due the county and State, of all the land, town lots, and real property on which he has been unable to collect special assessments or installments thereof matured and payable, or interest thereon, or interest due to the preceding January 2 on installments not yet matured on all warrants in his possession, with the amount of those delinquent special assessments or installments and interest, together with his warrants; or, in case of an assessment levied to be paid by installments, with a brief description of the nature of the warrant or warrants received by him authorizing the collection thereof. This report shall be accompanied with the oath of the collector (1) that the list is a correct return and report of the land, town lots, and real property on which the special assessment (levied by the authority of the county of ....), or installments thereof, or interest remains due and unpaid, (2) that he is unable to collect the same, or any part thereof, and (3) that he has given the notice required by law that the specified warrants have been received by him for collection.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32033) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32033)

Sec. 5-32033. Applicability of general revenue laws. The general revenue laws of this State with reference to proceedings to recover judgment for delinquent taxes, the sale of property thereon, the execution of certificates of sale and deeds thereon, the force and effect of such sales and deeds, and all other laws in relation to the enforcement and collection of taxes, and redemption from tax sales, shall be applicable to proceedings to collect the special assessment provided for in this Division.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32034) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32034)

Sec. 5-32034. Contractor's claim or lien on special assessments. No person obtaining contracts from the county and agreeing to be paid out of special assessments, has any claim or lien upon the county in any event, except from the collection of special assessments made or to be made for the work contracted for. However, the county shall cause collections and payments to be made with all reasonable diligence. If it appears that such an assessment cannot be levied or collected the county nevertheless, is not in any way liable to a contractor in case of failure to collect the assessment, but so far as it can legally do so, with all reasonable diligence, shall cause a valid assessment or assessments to be levied and collected to defray the cost of the work until all contractors are fully paid. Any contractor is entitled to the summary relief of mandamus or injunction to enforce the provisions of this Section.

The county treasurer shall keep a separate account of each special assessment warrant number, and of the moneys received thereunder.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32035) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32035)

Sec. 5-32035. Contracts for work or public improvements. Any work or other public improvement to be paid for by special assessment shall be constructed by contract let to the lowest responsible bidder in the manner prescribed in this Division. Such contract shall be approved by the Committee.

Within 90 days after judgment of confirmation of any special assessment levied in pursuance of this Division has been entered, if there is no appeal perfected, or other stay of proceedings by a court having jurisdiction, or the judgment of confirmation as to any property is appealed from, then if the petitioner files in the case a written election to proceed with the work, notwithstanding the appeal, or other stay, steps shall be taken to let the contract for the work in the manner provided in this Division. If the judgment of confirmation of the special assessment levied for the work is appealed from, or stayed by order of court having jurisdiction, and the petitioner files no such election then the steps provided in this Division for the letting of the contract for the work shall be taken within 15 days after the final determination of the appeal, or the determination of the stay, unless the proceeding is abandoned as provided in this Division.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32036) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32036)

Sec. 5-32036. Notice for bids; examination of bids. Notice shall be given by the Committee that bids will be received for the construction of such an improvement, either as a whole or in such sections as the Committee shall specify in its notice, in accordance with the ordinance therefor. This notice shall state the time of opening of the bids, and shall further state where the specifications for the improvement are to be found, and whether the contracts are to be paid in cash or in bonds, and if in bonds, then the rate of interest the vouchers or bonds shall draw. The notice shall be published at least twice, not more than 30 nor less than 15 days in advance of the opening of the bids, in one or more newspapers published in the county as designated by the Committee in an order entered in its records, or if no newspaper is published therein then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation within the county.

Proposals or bids may be made either for the work as a whole or for specified sections thereof. All proposals or bids shall be accompanied by cash, or by a check payable to the order of the Committee, certified by a responsible bank, for an amount which shall not be less than 10% of the aggregate of the proposal, or by a bid bond, for an amount which shall not be less than 10% of the aggregate of the proposal. These proposals or bids shall be delivered to the Committee. That committee, in open session, at the time and place fixed in the specified notice, shall examine and publicly declare the proposal or bids. However, no proposal or bids shall be considered unless accompanied by such a check or cash.

(Source: P.A. 91-296, eff. 1-1-00.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32037) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32037)

Sec. 5-32037. Bonds of successful bidders. The successful bidder for the construction of such an improvement shall be required to enter into bond in a sum equal to 100% of the amount of his bid with sureties to be approved by the Committee. This bond shall be filed with the Committee. When entering into the contract for the construction of an improvement the bond shall provide that the contractor shall well and faithfully perform and execute the work in all respects according to the complete and detailed specifications, and full and complete drawings, profiles and models therefor, and according to the time and terms and conditions of the contract, and also that the bidder and contractor shall promptly pay all debts incurred by him in the prosecution of the work, including those for labor and material furnished. Suit may be brought on the bond in case of default, or failure to pay these debts promptly, by and in the name of the county for all damages sustained either by the county or by any person interested or for the damages sustained by the county and all parties in interest, or by any beneficiary or party interested, in the name of the county for the use of the party interested as beneficial plaintiff, to recover for the labor and materials furnished. However, in no case shall costs be adjudged against the county in any suit brought by any party in interest wherein the county is the nominal but not the beneficial plaintiff.

In advertising for bids or proposal for the construction of such an improvement, the Committee shall give notice that such a bond will be required, and all bids or proposals shall contain an offer to furnish such a bond upon the acceptance of such bid or proposal.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32038) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32038)

Sec. 5-32038. Rejection of bids; failure of bidder to enter into contract. The Committee may reject any and all proposals or bids, should they deem it best for the public good. If the Committee is of the opinion that a combination exists between contractors, either to limit the number of bidders, or to increase the contract price, and that the lowest bid is made in pursuance thereof, the Committee shall reject all proposals or bids. The Committee may reject the bid of any party who has been delinquent or unfaithful in any former contract with the county. It shall reject all proposals or bids other than the lowest regular proposals or bids of any responsible bidder and may award the contract for the specified work or improvement to the lowest responsible bidder at the prices named in this bid. Such an award shall be recorded in the records of its proceedings. Such an award, if any, shall be made within 20 days after the time fixed for receiving bids.

If no award is made within that time, another advertisement for proposals or bids for the performance of the work, as in the first instance, shall be made, and thereafter the Committee shall proceed in the manner above provided in this Division. Such a re-advertisement shall be deemed a rejection of all former bids, and thereupon the respective checks and bonds corresponding to the bids so rejected shall be returned to the proper parties. However, the check accompanying any accepted proposal or bid shall be retained in the possession of the Committee until the contract for doing the work, as hereinafter provided, has been entered into by the lowest responsible bidder, whereupon the certified check shall be returned to the bidder. But if that bidder fails, neglects, or refuses to enter into a contract to perform that work or improvement, as provided in this Division, the certified check accompanying his bid and the amount therein mentioned shall be declared to be forfeited to the county, and shall be collected by it and paid into its fund for the repairing and maintenance of like improvements. Any bond forfeited may be prosecuted, and the amount due thereon collected and paid into the same fund.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32039) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32039)

Sec. 5-32039. Persons entitled to hearing on award of contract. Any owner or person interested in any of the property assessed and any bidder shall be entitled to a hearing before the Committee on any question connected with any such award.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32040) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32040)

Sec. 5-32040. Notice of award of contract. A notice of such an award of contract shall be published in one or more newspapers, designated by the Committee in an order entered in its records, published in the county, or if no newspaper is published therein, then in one or more newspapers with a general circulation within the county.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32041) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32041)

Sec. 5-32041. Failure or refusal of original bidder to enter into contract. If such original bidder fails or refuses for 20 days after the first publication of the notice of award, to enter into a contract which shall be simultaneously executed by the proper county officials and signed by the President of the Committee and attested by the county clerk, then the Committee without further proceedings shall again advertise for proposals of bids as in the first instance and award the contract for the work to the then regular lowest bidder. The bids of all persons who have failed to enter into the contract as herein provided shall be rejected in any bidding or election subsequent to the first bid for the same work.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32042) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32042)

Sec. 5-32042. Failure to complete work under contract within time provided; performance bond. If the contractors, who may have taken any contract, do not complete the work within the time mentioned in the contract, or within such further time as the Committee may give them, the Committee may relet the unfinished portions of that work, after pursuing the formalities prescribed hereinbefore for the letting of the whole in the first instance.

All contractors at the time of executing any contract for such public work, shall execute a bond to the satisfaction and approval of the Committee of the county in such a sum as the Committee deems adequate, conditioned for the faithful performance of the contract. The sureties shall justify, before some person competent to administer an oath, in double the amount mentioned in that bond, over and above all statutory exemptions.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32043) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32043)

Sec. 5-32043. Certification of costs; excess of assessment over costs. Within 30 days after the final completion of the work, the Committee shall have the costs thereof, including the cost of engineering services certified in writing to the court in which the assessment was confirmed, together with an amount as in this Division is provided for to be required to pay the accruing interest on bonds or vouchers issued to anticipate collection. Thereupon, if the total amount assessed for the improvement exceeds the cost of the improvement, all of that excess, except the amount required to pay such interest as is provided in this Division shall be abated and the judgment reduced proportionately, so that the property owners shall be credited pro rata upon the respective assessment for the improvement under the direction of the court.

In case the assessment is collectible in the installments, this reduction shall be made so that all installments shall be equal in amount, except that all fractional amounts shall be added to the first installment so as to leave the remaining installments in the aggregate equal in amount and each a multiple of $100. If prior to the entry of the order abating and reducing the assessment, the assessment has been certified for collection and any of the installments of the assessment so certified for collection have become due and payable, the reduction and abatement above referred to shall be made pro rata upon the other installments. The intent and meaning of this is that no property owner shall be required to pay to the collector a greater amount than his proportionate share of the cost of the work and of the interest that may accrue thereon.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32044) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32044)

Sec. 5-32044. Hearing on certificate of costs. In every assessment proceeding in which the assessment is divided into installments, the Committee shall state in the certificate whether or not the improvement conforms substantially to the requirements of the original ordinance for the construction of the improvement, and shall make an application to the court to consider and determine whether or not the facts stated in the certificate are true. Thereupon the court, upon such an application, shall fix a time and place for a hearing upon the application, and shall record the application. The time of this hearing shall be not less than 15 days after the filing of the certificate and application. Public notice shall be given at least twice of the time and place fixed for that hearing by publishing in a newspaper, in the same manner and for the same period as provided in this Division for publishing notice of application for the confirmation of the original assessment, the publication of this notice to be not more than 30 nor less than 15 days before the day fixed by the order for that hearing.

At the time and place fixed by the notice or at any time thereafter, the court shall proceed to hear the application and any objection which may be filed thereto within the time fixed in the order. Upon that hearing the specified certificate of the Committee shall be prima facie evidence that the matters and things stated above are true, but if any part thereof is controverted by objections duly filed thereto, the court shall hear and determine the objections in a summary manner and shall enter an order according to the facts.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32045) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32045)

Sec. 5-32045. Findings against allegations of certificate. If, upon the hearing, the court finds against the allegations of the certificate, it shall enter an order accordingly. The Committee shall then procure the completion of the improvement in substantial accordance with the ordinance. The Committee, from time to time, may file additional or supplemental applications or petitions in respect thereto, until the court eventually is satisfied that the allegations of the certificate or application are true and that the improvement is constructed in substantial accordance with the ordinance.

If before the entry of such an order upon such a certificate, there has been issued to the contractor in the progress of any such work, bonds or vouchers to apply upon the contract price thereof, that contractor or the then owner or holder of those bonds or vouchers shall be entitled to receive in lieu thereof new bonds or vouchers of equivalent amount, dated and issued after the entry of that order.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)

(55 ILCS 5/5-32046) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-32046)

Sec. 5-32046. Inspection of work done. The Committee shall designate someone to carefully inspect the entire work done pursuant to any such proceeding and contract, and the materials therefor, during the progress of the work, to the end that the contractor shall comply fully and adequately with all the provisions of the ordinance, and of the contract under which the work is to be done, and the specifications therefor. Upon the complaint of any property owner that the work or material does not comply with those requirements, the President of the Committee shall either examine the work and material himself, or designate some member of the Committee to do so. The President of the Committee shall make a personal examination, and certify in writing as to the result thereof. This written certificate shall be filed with the papers pertaining to the Committee, and shall be open to public inspection at any time.

(Source: P.A. 86-962.)